Paraquat poisoning of the lung: Thin-section CT findings

PURPOSE: To describe thin-section computed tomographic (CT) findings in paraquat poisoning of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT scans of the lungs in 16 patients with paraquat poisoning were reviewed. The patients were nine male and seven female persons whose ages ranged from 16 to 74 years (mean, 29 years). Follow-up CT scans were available for seven patients. RESULTS: The most common pattern on initial scans was ground-glass attenuation, present alone or as part of a mixed pattern in 13 patients. It was bilateral and diffuse in distribution. Consolidation was present in six patients, irregular lines in three, and nodules in two patients. On follow- up scans, the ground-glass attenuation had changed to consolidation with bronchiectasis. Additional irregular lines and traction bronchiectasis also were observed. CONCLUSION: CT findings in paraquat poisoning of the lung begin with ground-glass attenuation, which leads to consolidation with bronchiectasis or irregular lines.